This is the first time the cabinet meeting took place outside the usual summer capital, Srinagar, or winter capital, Jammu, during this government's tenure
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that the state government could not be cowed down by cowardly acts of terror and that it remained steadfast in its commitment to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a modern, progressive, and economically vibrant region.
Abdullah, after chairing a special meeting of his Cabinet at Pahalgam, site of the attacks on tourists, said that it was not just a routine administrative exercise, but a clear message —“ We are not intimidated by cowardly acts of terror. The enemies of peace will never dictate our resolve. Jammu and Kashmir stands firm, strong, and unafraid”.
Baisaran, a hilltop green meadow about 5-km from Kashmir Valley’s premier resort Pahalgam, had witnessed a deadly terror attack on April 22, claiming the lives of 25 Hindu tourists and a local Muslim horse-handler.
Abdullah said that he chose to hold a Cabinet meeting at Pahalgam to show solidarity with the local people and also send a message of peace and normalcy to the tourists as the April 22 carnage crumbled the Valley’s tourism. This was the first Cabinet meeting held outside twin capitals of Srinagar and Jammu during his current tenure.
He wrote on ‘X’, “In Pahalgam to chair a cabinet meeting. We came to express solidarity with the local population. We’ve also come to thank all the tourists who are slowly making their way back to Kashmir & to Pahalgam.”
While addressing the media after the meeting, the Chief Minister said, “I want to thank the people of Kashmir especially those of Pahalgam who condemned and stood in one voice against the April 22 terror strike on tourists. For this, I thank them and salute them.”
Abdullah said that tourism should be conflict neutral and should not be a barometer to project normalcy or tied to political situations. He insisted that tourism should be kept separate from conflict to support the livelihoods of many in the scenic region. He said that regrettably this key sector of J&K’s economy is being viewed through the prism of politics.
He said, “Tourism should be a conflict-neutral activity. Tourism is an economic activity for us. It is a source of income for people. Unfortunately, it has been entangled with politics.” He added, “There are many other mechanisms through which we can measure peace. I would always wish to see that tourism is insulated from conflict and the world should see it as an economic activity.”
He, however, also said that his government will try to insulate tourism from the prevailing conditions. “We want the world to look at J&K's tourism as an economic activity. We have to take steps with caution, but we will try to ensure that tourism begins in Kashmir and the Valley soon”.
The Chief Minister said that the last five to six weeks have been tough for the nation, but it is J&K which has paid the highest price. He said that his government will decide what steps it needs to take to overcome this situation.
Expressing optimism that the Centre will give J&K the required support, the Chief Minister said that he has already discussed the revival of tourism in J&K with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. “I was in Delhi recently where I had a chance to meet the Prime Minister on the sidelines of the NITI Aayog meeting. I have apprised him about the condition of the tourism industry in J&K and he has assured of complete support.”
He added, “I can’t share details here, but the Centre will come up with major decisions for the revival of tourism. I have also raised the issue related to the security of tourists with the Home Minister.”
Media reports had suggested that Abdullah had at the Niti Aayog meeting urged the Centre to mandate Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to hold meetings in Kashmir. He had also said that the Parliamentary committee meetings should also be held in the Valley as these and other concerted efforts by the government will significantly alleviate public fears, foster a renewed sense of security and trust, and ultimately pave the way for the revival of tourism in the Himalayan region, bringing much-needed economic relief and a return to normalcy.
Replying to questions, the Chief Minister said that after the April 22 terror attack, it was decided to conduct a security audit of some places. “After the audit, the places which can be reopened, should be reopened,” he said, adding that a group of Maharashtra tour operators was in Pahalgam and will also visit Srinagar. “What encourages us is that earlier the group was going to be of 20-25 people but around 60 tour operators from Maharashtra have come to see how the travel and tour industry can be resumed here. I want to thank these people"
The Chief Minister said that his government plans to revive tourism gradually and steadily. He said that after conducting security audits of various sites, the government plans to reopen them, taking a cautious, step-by-step approach.
Asked if the government will give relief to the tourism stakeholders as many of them have to repay huge loans which they are unable to do in the current situation, the Chief Minister said, “Tourism has suffered and talks are already underway with the departments concerned to extend some relief to all stakeholders big or small.”
The meeting also discussed threadbare the arrangements being put in place for this year’s Amarnath yatra. Pahalgam, about 90-km southeast of capital Srinagar, is a basecamp of the Amarnath pilgrimage which is scheduled to begin on July 3 simultaneously from both traditional Pahalgam and shorter Baltal routes, in Anantnag and Ganderbal districts respectively. At Chandanwari, which is about 15-km from the Pahalgam town, the 32-kms long trek to the revered cave-shrine tucked away in the Kashmir hills at a height of 3,880 metres begins.
Abdullah said that like every year, arrangements are being made to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. After the cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister visited the Nunwan base camp to take stock of arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra. He said that he reviewed the facilities, interacted with officials on the ground, and emphasized seamless coordination to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims.
Later during the day, the Chief Minister met delegates from various walks of life led by Altaf Ahmed Kaloo, the ruling National Conference (NC)’s local MLA. Abdullah in a post on ‘X’, said that during these interactions “valuable insights” were shared on local issues and aspirations. “The support extended by locals to tourists and the administration during the recent unfortunate incident was exemplary and deeply praised,” he said.
